Introduction to Humanism

It didn't start that way; founder Felix Adler was an Idealist philosopher, not a humanist. Since 1963, in a statement made by the National Leaders Council, Ethical Culture has acknowledged its evolving humanist philosophy, while maintaining a primary emphasis on ethics. Leader Anne Klaeysen, co-Dean of The Humanist Institute for Graduate Studies, explores the history of Humanism in the U.S., its major influences, and the major players and organizations today.

Entry to our 100-year-old building and meeting rooms is available for most wheelchair users with prior arrangements. Please call ahead [masked] x 107) for setup of our portable system and plan to arrive one hour before start time.

Ethical Cultureis a movement centered on ethics, not theology, whose mission is to encourage respect for humanity and nature and to create a better world. Members are committed to personal ethical development in their relationships with others and in activities involving social justice and environmental stewardship.

What We Believe

We believe all individuals have inherent worth and dignity, the potential to grow and change, a responsibility to strive for ethical growth, and a responsibility to create a better world.

As an Ethical Community we are all part of something that transcends the individual experience and are enriched through our relationships with others. As such, we have responsibilities to each other, to the Society, and to the community.

The New York Society for Ethical Cultureoffers a full schedule of events and activities for everyone including social gatherings, Sunday platforms, weekend and evening lectures, classes, outings, charitable volunteer opportunities, teen leadership programs, and a (non-theistic) Sunday school. Join us at one of our events such as our Foundations of Ethical Culture course, Ethics in Film, Ethics and the Theater, Advocacy Forum, or Socrates Cafe.

When considering Ethical New York Meetup events, please keep in mind that many of our members attend the posted events without RSVP-ing on Meetup, so attendence is typically much higher then indicated by the Meetup RSVPs alone.